A
couple of turns were taken in the rope that held it over a belaying
pin, and Paul said:
"Now is the time, one of you slip down the rope and deposit the bags on
the planks. Then get in the water and rest your hands on the side." The
water was very phosphorescent and the fish left trails of light after
them as they dashed hither and thither below. Just as one of the sailors
was about to step over and descend, either a porpoise or some large fish
shot from under the vessel and left quite a trail of light in its
wake. The sailor hesitated: "That must be a shark," he said, "if we get
in that water we are bound to be eaten up."
Time pressed and Paul remonstrated with him in vain to get down. Any
moment either the captain or the mate might wake up and discover them.
To show an example that there was no danger Paul grasped the rope and
slipped silently into the sea. He was followed by one of the sailors,
but the other could not overcome his fear and decided to remain. His
decision was irrevocable for he cast off the line and said:
"Good-bye boys, I am sorry that I can't go, I dare not risk it."
Paul and his companion pushed out and quietly passed under the stern and
until sufficiently far away from the vessel, they were very gentle in
their movement.
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